The two-day MCAP BNU Conference concluded at Beaconhouse National University in Lahore, convening academics, journalists, policymakers and media professionals from Pakistan and overseas to tackle pressing challenges in contemporary media and communication.
Jointly organised by the Media and Communication Academic Professionals and Beaconhouse National University, the conference centred on the theme “Reclaiming Hope: Media, Activism & Social Justice,” highlighting the growing need for ethical journalism, inclusive narratives and stronger media literacy across the region. Inaugural remarks by Dr Moeed Yusuf underlined the role of academic institutions in promoting critical engagement with information and responsible knowledge production.
Across plenary sessions, parallel academic discussions and interactive forums, participants examined how journalism can be reimagined to support social justice, media activism and the rights of marginalised communities. A workshop on Chinese Art in the Digital Age ran alongside conversations on digital inclusion, ethical challenges in contemporary media and the implications of emerging technologies for reporters and content creators, reflecting the conference’s practical and scholarly focus.
Regional collaboration emerged as a key thread, with special attention to China-Pakistan media cooperation and cross-border academic exchange. Speakers stressed that improved media literacy is essential for building regional understanding and connectivity, and that collaborative projects can help counter misinformation while amplifying diverse voices.
The event featured a distinguished roster of international and national panellists, including Prof. Dr Nico Carpentier, Prof. Dr Jeffrey Wimmer, Prof. Dr Fatima Elzahra, Prof. Dr Jason Gainous, Mazhar Abbas, Talat Hussain, Fariha Idrees, Salima Hashmi, Seemi Raheel, Muneeza Jahangir, Nadia Jamil and Usman Peerzada, among others, fostering dialogue between scholars and practitioners from varied disciplines.
Javed Jabbar was honoured with a lifetime achievement award in recognition of his contributions to Pakistan’s media and communications sector, a highlight that underscored the conference’s celebration of both scholarship and public service.
Alongside research sessions, career counselling and consultancy offerings, and technical and creative workshops, the MCAP BNU Conference emphasised media literacy as a foundational tool for informed citizenship and inclusive storytelling. The gathering concluded with a renewed commitment to academic collaboration, professional development and sustained regional engagement.
